Richmond Sends Hurricane Relief to North Carolina

The Richmond Region recently undertook a fast-paced initiative to gather a large amount of clothing, shoes, outerwear, and cold-weather items to support the needs of those devastated by Hurricane Helene. The project was proposed and led by Arn Manella, KM, and engaged all the members of the Richmond Region and some parishioners from Arn’s home parish, St. Timothy Church in Tappahannock, Virginia.   

Arn first determined that there was still a strong need for clothing and other items in the devastated areas. Rob Rose, KM, from the Central North Carolina Region and coordinator between the Order of Malta and the North Wilkesboro, NC Catholic Charities, confirmed that there was still urgent need for these items, as all the local “clothes closets” and Goodwill stores had been overwhelmed with demand, particularly with cold weather settling in. A call for contributions was made to the members of the Richmond Region, and in short order financial contributions of over $2,000 were raised. The funds were used by Arn to procure clothing in excellent condition from the many Goodwill stores around the Richmond metropolitan area that had not been affected by the hurricane relief demand. Individual clothing contributions were also accepted from members of the region.  

The amount of clothing acquired and donated was substantial and required a truck to transport and deliver. On November 14th, Arn and Michael Scott, a 2026 candidate for the Order, drove to North Wilkesboro, North Carolina and unloaded the contributions at Catholic Charities, which is the organizing entity to coordinate incoming support for the area. Susanna Gonzales of North Wilkesboro Catholic Charities welcomed Arn and Michael and assisted as the truck was unloaded. 

While Arn and Michael encountered heavy rain on the seven-hour trip back to Richmond, they were uplifted knowing that the quick efforts of the Richmond Region and St. Timothy Church will help ensure that the needs of many residents in the hard-hit areas of Western North Carolina will be met and that many will receive warm clothing and footwear to meet the challenges of winter in the mountains. Praise be to God.